An indeterminate dawn and swirling mizzle preceded our
Sheepstor/Ringmoor walk but clearing skies and a dry ascent from Park Inn
parking (Joey’s Lane).
At Maiden Tor we turned right and soon a large pillow
mound to be viewed. A lovely dry place to be a rabbit in the 19th century until
it wasn't !!
The Sheepstor Warrener"s early abode came in view,
possibly only used seasonally in latter years when the Wade family were accommodated
at Ditsworthy farm.
A kite soared overhead and chattering "Activity Week
" children skirted boulders below the tor.
More evidence of pillow mounds along the track and a hunt
for vermin traps at the base of Sheepstor "held off" for when the
bracken is lower !!
Following the Longstone Leat and then the fine corn ditch
bordering Yellowmead farmlands we descended towards Yellowmead circles and as
mists swirled above destination Gutter Tor we stayed down in the circles for a
cuppa.
A misty ascent of Gutter Tor to the trigpoint and a quick
visit to the longhouse not far from our route to Ringmoor Cottage. Down
Portland Lane to Sheepstor and a quick visit to the church and evidence of the
Wade family who farmed rabbits at Sheepstor and Ditsworthy. Celia commemorated
in a stained-glass window, she was the village teacher, young wife of warrener
William and we saw evidence of many Wades buried in the churchyard.
Their entrepreneurial farming activity sustained for many
centuries.
Back to cars and into the valley now where a Nicholas
Wade was once landlord of the Royal Oak.
A pleasant and efficiently delivered meal and a return of
the rain.
More moor farms next time !!
Anne